May Elizabeth Dodd was born on 15 November 1889 in Battersea, the only child of Alfred Warner Dodd (1854-1925) and Caroline Matilda Dodd née Donovan (1858-1893). Her father was a carpenter and she was baptised on 25 May 1890 at St Philip's Church, Battersea, the baptismal register showing that the family were living at 29 Montefiore Street, Battersea. The 1891 census confirms that they were still at this address.
Her mother died in 1893 and her father was remarried on 17 April 1897 at St Philip's Church to Emily Ellen Hopkins (1862-1944). The marriage register shows his address as 14 Prairie Street, Battersea, whilst her step-mother's address is shown as 29 Montefiore Street.
The 1901 census shows she was living at 27 Elliot Road, Chiswick, with her father, step-mother and two boarders, whereas the 1911 census informs that she was now a shop assistant living at 11 Ranelagh Grove, Pimlico. with her father, step-mother and a Sarah Matilda Elizabeth Graves who was her widowed paternal aunt.
The 1939 England and Wales Register shows her at 66 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW3 and her occupation was a manageress of a dress agency. It was here that she died, aged 54 years, as a result of enemy action when a V1 bomb fell on her home.
Just over one year later, on 6 July 1945, administration of her estate was granted to H.M. Treasury Solicitor, her effects totalling £314-5s-0d.
She is also commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour, located just outside the entrance to St George's Chapel at the west end of Westminster Abbey, London.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan
